Congressman Cleaver Introduces the "Clear" Act to Require Members of Congress to Only Lease Alternative Fuel Vehicles

CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER INTRODUCES THE "CLEAR" ACT TO REQUIRE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO ONLY LEASE ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

Tax money to be used to lease 85% ethanol, hybrid, electric, and bio-fuel vehicles

(Washington, DC)—Last evening, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) introduced the "Congress Leads by Example through Alt-Fuel Resources Act" or CLEAR Act. This legislation would prohibit the use of official funds from Members' Representational Allowances to provide for any vehicle which does not use alternative fuels. The CLEAR Act has been designated HR 5338 by the Clerk of the House.

Taking to the floor of the House to press his point, Cleaver called on his colleges to lead by example, "The CLEAR Act will position the U.S. House of Representatives as a body of serious advocates for a national consciousness of energy efficiency. As the House entertains a plethora of energy-related bills, the U.S. public will surely come to recognize the need to move toward purchasing automobiles that use renewable fuels and alternative sources of energy such as hydrogen and electricity,"

"With the price of a gallon of gasoline skyrocketing past 3 dollars, the need to end America's dependency on foreign oil is essential to homeland security and a stable energy supply. New technologies using alternative resources like ethanol, hydrogen and electricity give us the opportunity to reach energy independence. The CLEAR Act will show Americans that their elected officials in Congress are serious about the use of alternate sources of energy and compatible vehicles," said Cleaver.

"The public would much rather see a sermon than hear one. Surely Congress cannot sell the American public on the need to abandon its gas guzzlers when they observe Members of Congress proudly driving them."

"Congress has far more power and persuasion with the public than polls suggest. By approving a bill that essentially says, ‘Look at us and do likewise,' the public will certainly take notice and follow our example," said Cleaver.

The bill will now be assigned to the House Committee on Administration, where Cleaver hopes for a hearing.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo05_cleaver/CLEARActIntroduction.html